A Christian baker who refused to make a custom cake for a gay couple due to his religious views says he has received death threats as his situation has become publicized.

Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, was sued by a same-sex couple for discrimination over his decision five years ago to not design a cake with two male figures on it. The legal battle has reached the Supreme Court, where arguments were heard Tuesday.

In an interview Wednesday, Phillips shared his outlook on the case.

“We just hope that the court will rule in favor of creative professionals so that I can go back to making the cakes that I can according to my conscience and that nobody else will have to endure what we have for the last five years,” Phillips said.

The baker said he was forced to give up his business, which comprised about 40 percent of his and his wife's income, and he has faced death threats and harassment.

Kristen Waggoner, Phillips's attorney, argued, “The same law that applies to Jack and forces him to violate his conscience applies to an atheist singer who would have to perform in an Easter religious service or a Catholic filmmaker that would have to promote the Church of Scientology or an oil painter that would have to paint a portrait of Muhammad and violating their convictions.”